Czech MPs scrap household TV fee

Lawmakers in the Czech Republic voted in the early hours of Saturday to refer a bill to committees that would eliminate the household broadcasting fee. The governing coalition advanced the measure despite warnings that shifting control to the state budget could weaken broadcaster independence.

The bill ends the 205 crown, or $9.45, monthly fee paid by households. Under the new plan, public media will receive funds from the state budget. The proposal also reduces financing for Czech Television and Czech Radio by approximately 15 percent. Nominal funding levels are set to remain unchanged for several years after the initial cut.

Prime Minister Andrej Babis, a populist billionaire leading the three-party government, pledged to abolish the fee before taking office in December 2025. His coalition, which includes the far-right SPD party, has frequently criticized public and private media coverage. Babis argued the new model is fairer for poorer households and forces outlets to operate more efficiently.

In a Facebook post late Friday, Babis rejected claims that the changes threaten press freedom. He wrote, "There is no war for independent media." He added that no fight for democracy or nationalization of media is being prepared.

Opposition parties compared the reforms to those implemented by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Employees at the public broadcasters expressed alarm, having staged a strike in June. They argued that state budget funding exposes them to government pressure.

Public media hold a prominent position in Czech society, ranking among the most trusted news sources in the country. Czech Television remains the most-watched broadcaster across several age groups.

Civic groups have called for a public demonstration on Sunday. Journalists and other employees at the broadcasters have announced a strike for November 3.